Travel in Slovakia

With a new year approaching and new resolutions in mind, learning a language is one of those items that often appears on many personal lists. Travel experts and language institutions regularly publish surveys on the best destinations to do so, echoing the simple fact that in our interconnected, “globalized” world, the ability to communicate in more than one language opens new opportunities, experiences and understanding.

Although autumn has that bucolic and melancholic halo that is so well reflected in the act of the leaves falling from the trees, it's also a season when the torrid summer heat is finally gone and nature displays an incredible blanket of colors, smells, and sensations. In many parts of Europe, autumn is the best time to explore natural places and trails full of hidden treasures.

The rules for most people entering Europe who don't have an EU passport are changing and after several delays, the EU has confirmed when and how they will roll out the two new border controls that will impact travelers arriving into the Schengen area from 2024 onwards.

It’s the Czech Republic — the birthplace of pilsner and the original Budweiser lager (born in Plzeň and České Budějovice, respectively). Ever since the nation split from Slovakia 30 years ago, the Czech Republic has proudly topped the charts — head and shoulders above its European neighbours. According to recent research, the average Czech puts away 184 .1 litres of beer a year — the equivalent of 324 pints.

In the first half of 2023, Europe experienced tis hight number of tourist stays in the past decade, according to the Eurostat, the European Union’s statistics agency. Europe recorded 1.19 billion night stays between January and June 2023, up by 0.9% and 12.9% from the same period in 2019 and 2022, respectively.

Incredible wildlife, world-class beaches and cosmopolitan cities – South Africa has so much to offer that it's no wonder travelers flock there. But it's important to be aware of entry requirements to avoid disappointment upon arrival.

The latest Sustainable Travel Index for 2023, released by Euromonitor International, highlights Sweden as the epitome of sustainable travel within Europe. Notably, a staggering 19 out of the top 20 positions on this index are firmly held by nations belonging to the European Union and the Schengen Area, as reported by SchengenVisaInfo.com, citing Euromonitor—an independent provider of strategic market research.

Japan has been knocked off the top spot for the world’s most powerful passport for the first time in five years.

Singapore has unseated Japan as the country with the most powerful passport, based on the latest International Air Transport Association data that shows the most ease of access to other countries for travelers. 

Hyatt Hotels Corporation is on the fast track to growing its brand, its property portfolio and its loyalty partnerships. While not the biggest hospitality company, it is laser-focused on being the best by expanding its geography and listening to customers. Even during the tough pandemic era, Hyatt found opportunity to grow in key markets and evolve with the ever-changing travel landscape. All of this helped position Hyatt for the post-Covid travel boom, benefiting both consumers and investors.

The 26-country no-border-control Schengen area is in danger of collapsing under the migration threat. Presumably, the new border controls will be for no more than two years. But for now, you have to figure on reverting to the bad old days of mind-numbing border hassles within the area.

Leave the massive crowds of tourists behind in France or Italy, and make your next trip to one of the least-visited European countries.

Travel to Europe is going to get slightly more complicated in 2021. Starting that year, visitors from the U.S. will need to get an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) approval before entering countries in the Schengen zone. According to the delegation of the European Union to the U.S., the measure is not a Europe visa, but an authorization that “will enable us to get more comprehensive information from travelers coming from visa-exempt, third-country [nations] arriving at the Schengen external borders.”

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985 and one of the new seven wonders of the world, Petra is among the most famous archaeological sites in the world alongside Athens’ Acropolis and England’s Stonehenge. While it now has competition from Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s own extraordinary rock-hewn site, travelers to the Middle East would be remiss to pass on this ancient city and Jordan’s most popular attraction.

Eastern Europe has become a popular, mysterious even, destination for the intrepid backpacker. While it’s undoubtedly impressive in its diversity, there are a number of universal lessons that every traveller will learn at some point during their time here.

This week, pictures have emerged of Italians enjoying al-fresco meals in pizzerias, sun-baked Greeks heading to the beach, and hikers taking to the wide-open expanses of the USA’s national parks. This is not business as usual – social-distancing measures and other hygiene regulations are strict – but there’s a thrill in seeing life creep back into cities and towns around the world. Of course, for those of us still under lockdown, it’s bittersweet watching the world resume some semblance of normality (we’re craving our turn), but here at Rough Guides, it’s provided one thing in bucket loads: hope.

Tim Chester, Web Editor: From the Turner Contemporary gallery to the proliferation of other indie art spaces, retro shops and cute cafés in the Old Town, Margate now offers much more than its beautifully dilapidated seafront. Dubbed “romantic, sexy and weird” by local girl Tracey Emin, this gem on the Isle of Thanet constitutes one of the highlights of the forthcoming Rough Guide to Kent, Sussex and Surrey for many good reasons.

This article covers May 2020. Visit our up-to-date article with the latest news on Corona virus and travel here: Corona virus travel updates .

From India to England, epic castles and forts have been built to withstand wars across the world. Here's a look at some of the most impressive.

Discover winter destinations in Eastern Europe. Prepare for freezing temperatures and look forward to frosty cities, frozen rivers andsnowy ski resorts. Take a look at our 10 top wintery destinations.